dopaminergic system/tract

Introduction

System of neurons that employ dopamine as a neurotransmitter &/or use dopaminergic receptors at their synapses.

Dopamine receptors in the caudate nucleus facilitate posture, those in the nucleus accumbens movement & pleasure.

There are 4 major dopaminergic systems/tracts in the brain

• nigrostriatal system
  • substantia nigra to striatum
  • accounts for most dopaminergic synapses
  • lost in Parkinson's disease
• tuberoinfundibular system
  • arcuate nucleus of hypothalamus to the pituitary stalk
  • controls release of prolactin
• mesolimbic system
  • ventral tegmental area to limbic system
• mesocortical system
  • ventral tegmental area to the neocortex, especially prefrontal area

More general terms

• neurotransmitter system

More specific terms

• mesocortical system/tract
• mesolimbic system
• nigrostiatal system/tract
• tuberoinfundibular system/tract

Additional terms

• dopamine (Inotropin, Dopastat)
• dopamine receptor
• dopaminergic

Component of

• brain